Day#28 Sister Paula Hagen, O.S.B., is a nun with passion. She is a woman who has definite ideas and strong opinions. Sister Paula is devoted to God, and she is not what one would think of when picturing a nun. She speaks quickly, forcefully and with tremendous emotion.
I was lucky enough to meet her over twenty-five years ago. She rode a bike, dressed in regular clothing and wore a large cross around her neck. Her eyes sparkled as she would somehow enlist you to help her and you would be left feeling as if she had helped you. Sr. Paula is the person they wrote about when they fashioned the statement about selling ice to Eskimos.
Her love of families is only surpassed by her love of women and the women who run families. In 1983, she was hired at the church I attended to begin what was known as Family Ministry. She took the church, its families and our hearts by storm. The parish was a very large one in Mesa, Arizona, and not only did Sister Paula learn every person's name, she knew their children, their extended families, and was able to support their dreams.
I moved away from the church during a painful divorce but kept contact with Paula for a number of years. Eventually she moved, I moved and moved again and I also remarried.
Fast forward to last year. Through what appeared to be, synchronicity, I learned Paula was closeby in her home state of Minnesota. I called her, and she had not changed. Her voice after 20 plus years is still strong, still vibrant. Her photos continue to show a woman in her prime, leading the way for families to have meaning.
Sr. Paula Hagen is the originator of a ministry for women entitled M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing). It is an 8-week peer-based ministry for women to share their faith, their lives, and support each other as they grow in faith. She also leads Women's Retreats with break-out sessions, supports generational sharing through stories and rituals, and is a force that is sometimes disapproved of in certain circles.What I am learning, as I write this blog, is how leaders create controversy and that to change the world and make it new again can be an uphill climb.
Paula believes completely that change begins at the bottom, not the top, and she has devoted her life to changing the way women perceive themselves in The Church and in their families. Her belief is that women must come together, share their stories and support each other's growth (spiritual, mental and emotional).
In addition to loving women, families and God, Sr. Paula Hagen loves rituals, traditions and ceremony. Her ability to bring richness and depth to daily living is perhaps one of her greatest attributes. She knows what it is to live your life as a prayer and she has put together, and continues to put together, programs and processes to teach thousands of others.
Sr. Paula is changing day-to-day life for the better.
Her Action: She practices passion.
Contact Sr. Paula. She is ecumenical and her dynamic presence (even in an email) will charge your day.
srpaula@stpaulsmonastery.org
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
40 in 40 Day #27
Day #27 I'm taking a chance on my subject for today; please remember I started this blog to write about difference makers. Valentino is a difference maker, as is Coco and Manolo. I personally know what a difference Crash has made to my neighbor and also to me.
Yes, I am writing about dogs. There are dogs on this planet that make a huge difference to our world, they rescue babies from burning buildings, alert their owners to pending fires or break-ins, help law enforcement agencies on the war against drugs. They all deserve their own blog. This blog is about dogs in general, and a great deal about one dog in particular.
As I was meditating this morning, Valentino was right there with me. He has now learned that when I sit on the floor and lean back on the davenport in the living room, it is not time to play, get a belly rub, get a head scratch or some other delicious treat. He knows it is time to be still. I never told him this, but he knows. He will either lay next to me, or take a place behind my head on the sofa and wait for me to be complete. He knows that as soon as I put my journal away, it becomes Valentino time. He is patient. He never rushes me. He is loyal. He shows up again and again. He only wants to be near me, and does not ask for anything in return. Five years ago after surgery, I spent almost a week in a drug-induced fog, praying for relief from pain, and doing little else. Valentino stayed on the bed, his head on my leg or arm. There were no treats, no toys, no wrestling nor hide-and-seek. There was me sleeping. He only wanted to be near me. My thought is, that is pure love. I do not have that type of love. That type of love heals. It heals the body. Research shows that people with high blood pressure are able to lower their blood pressure as they pet or stroke a dog. That type of love definitely heals. I know it heals the heart. 26 years ago my heart and spirit were broken. I owned a Great Dane. She would literally attempt to lick my tears. She'd put her paw on my shoulder and I promise you, she would send some type of energy to me. Well, I know I felt better. Thirty-six years ago my six-week old daughter, Rebecca, died of SIDS. Four months later, my husband came home with a small, red ball of fur. Carrie got all of us through that Christmas.
My younger daughter has a dog that always makes me laugh. The harder I laugh, the more Manolo runs in circles, jumps up and over whatever is in her space, and I can feel myself lighter and brighter. Coco belongs to my other daughter. She will curl up with a sick child or an upset adult, or attack what she believes are those possibly wanting to invade the space of my daughter and her family. Coco knows her job is to care 24/7 for a family of six; she seems to love her work.
I would love to hear about your dog (or cat). Donna Lipman, the president of WOMCD, has two cats, Romeo and Tilly. When her husband, Terry Lipman, died suddenly, they both stayed with her. They got close as they seemed to share in her grief. Our animals, I believe, are a way for us to experience unconditional love.
Much has been written about unconditional love. Perhaps saints or the holy men and women of the ages were able to love in this manner. As I said, I know I do not seem to be able to do this. Intellectually, I can love humanity; I am able to feel compassion for those who do not behave in ways that are helpful to me, and I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to forgive quickly. I know, beyond a doubt, that I can not, do not want to, probably will never, follow those I love the most while they ignore me. I want something back. Something more than a walk around the block, or time to run in the park.
Action Taken: Acceptance, devotion, unconditional love.
If you don't have a pet, find a cat or dog at your local pound and adopt them. You will be healed.
Yes, I am writing about dogs. There are dogs on this planet that make a huge difference to our world, they rescue babies from burning buildings, alert their owners to pending fires or break-ins, help law enforcement agencies on the war against drugs. They all deserve their own blog. This blog is about dogs in general, and a great deal about one dog in particular.
As I was meditating this morning, Valentino was right there with me. He has now learned that when I sit on the floor and lean back on the davenport in the living room, it is not time to play, get a belly rub, get a head scratch or some other delicious treat. He knows it is time to be still. I never told him this, but he knows. He will either lay next to me, or take a place behind my head on the sofa and wait for me to be complete. He knows that as soon as I put my journal away, it becomes Valentino time. He is patient. He never rushes me. He is loyal. He shows up again and again. He only wants to be near me, and does not ask for anything in return. Five years ago after surgery, I spent almost a week in a drug-induced fog, praying for relief from pain, and doing little else. Valentino stayed on the bed, his head on my leg or arm. There were no treats, no toys, no wrestling nor hide-and-seek. There was me sleeping. He only wanted to be near me. My thought is, that is pure love. I do not have that type of love. That type of love heals. It heals the body. Research shows that people with high blood pressure are able to lower their blood pressure as they pet or stroke a dog. That type of love definitely heals. I know it heals the heart. 26 years ago my heart and spirit were broken. I owned a Great Dane. She would literally attempt to lick my tears. She'd put her paw on my shoulder and I promise you, she would send some type of energy to me. Well, I know I felt better. Thirty-six years ago my six-week old daughter, Rebecca, died of SIDS. Four months later, my husband came home with a small, red ball of fur. Carrie got all of us through that Christmas.
My younger daughter has a dog that always makes me laugh. The harder I laugh, the more Manolo runs in circles, jumps up and over whatever is in her space, and I can feel myself lighter and brighter. Coco belongs to my other daughter. She will curl up with a sick child or an upset adult, or attack what she believes are those possibly wanting to invade the space of my daughter and her family. Coco knows her job is to care 24/7 for a family of six; she seems to love her work.
I would love to hear about your dog (or cat). Donna Lipman, the president of WOMCD, has two cats, Romeo and Tilly. When her husband, Terry Lipman, died suddenly, they both stayed with her. They got close as they seemed to share in her grief. Our animals, I believe, are a way for us to experience unconditional love.
Much has been written about unconditional love. Perhaps saints or the holy men and women of the ages were able to love in this manner. As I said, I know I do not seem to be able to do this. Intellectually, I can love humanity; I am able to feel compassion for those who do not behave in ways that are helpful to me, and I have finally reached a point in my life where I am able to forgive quickly. I know, beyond a doubt, that I can not, do not want to, probably will never, follow those I love the most while they ignore me. I want something back. Something more than a walk around the block, or time to run in the park.
Action Taken: Acceptance, devotion, unconditional love.
If you don't have a pet, find a cat or dog at your local pound and adopt them. You will be healed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
40 in 40 Day #26
Day#26 My hope is that as you read these blogs, you will become inspired. Perhaps you will say to yourself, "I could do that!" or "I am going to contact that person and contribute some time, talent or money to assist them." or maybe you just read the day's entry, smile and feel better about the world we live in. That is my intention and my hope. My other intention, though secondary, is also very strong. I want to acknowledge those I write about. I want to thank these incredible human beings for listening to an inner prompting, and taking the action to make our world (and theirs) better.
Today's blog is an acknowledgment of a man who listens to the dreams of others. His kindness as he listens is astounding. No matter the topic or subject, he has the ability to access a kind place within himself and respond to the speaker in a direct and compassionate tone. In times of sadness, distress, planning, shock or anger, it is amazing what kindness can do to make a huge difference in a person's outlook or future.
Peter Schroeder was born with one hand that was not fully formed. Despite several operations, his hand never fully developed and he was left with what his granddaughter calls his "baby hand." Courage is also a part of Mr. Schroeder's make up. Not the type of courage that would take him to bungee off a bridge, nor the type of courage to defy the Midwest rules of behavior he was brought up with. His courage is the type that came from learning to tie his shoes with one hand, to play baseball everyday after school despite being the last kid picked for the team. His courage would lead him to learn and play the guitar and golf and one day say, "My hand did not happen to me, it happened for me." This is not a Pollyanna approach. Peter believes it. "It makes me memorable," he says with a smile.
Peter Schroeder is memorable not because of a misshapen hand, he is memorable because his mission is to connect with as many people as he can every day. He believes he can "make their day" and he does. A tired and overworked gate attendant at the airport finds a smile when Schroeder shows up with a cup of Starbucks with which he surprises her. The bagger at the local market lights up when Schroeder asks him what is his favorite movie, or who he would most like to see in concert that weekend. Peter Schroeder talks to people in elevators, and people love it. Some smile, some laugh and they all depart a little lighter, a little brighter. Peter has "made their day."
A present day knight, Peter Schroeder seems to be a throwback to another age when valor, honesty, kindness, and loyalty were words that men lived by, words that set them apart and put them at a round table to help shape the land they lived in. Peter believes human beings are born with these attributes and they only need a nudge to appear. This is not a man who knows cynicism.
Peter is the guy on the bowling team, the man who holds the door and winks at the little old lady walking through. Charm helps, as do blue eyes that sparkle. He likes absolutely nothing better than to share, which he does through writing (he is a published author - "It's Your Movie" and "Ten Tips for Family Caregivers"), through performingh (he is a singer songwriter - look for him on iTunes), through coaching (a Certified Master Coach), through motivational speaking, and most recently he and a friend began, Elder Proof Home, an online site that addresses keeping seniors safe, independent and thriving. The new site has articles, tips, a variety of products, and coaching for family caregivers. Elder Proof Home is a result of Mr. Schroeder's involvement with his elderly father. He (Schroeder) moved from Sedona, Az. to a suburb of Chicago to supervise his father's care almost four years ago. What he thought would be a 6-9 month commitment has turned into a much different outcome. Living in his father's townhouse, returning to sub-zero temperatures and dealing with the day-in and day-out stresses of being responsible for a 92-year old man with dementia, has been what Peter describes as a mixed blessing. When asked why he moved in with the senior Mr. Schroeder, Peter reports there was no other option. He saw a need and knew he could make "his father's day."
His Action: Take the high road. Recite the boy scout code and live like Davy Crockett.
Peter Schroeder makes a difference to a wide variety of people daily. He uses any avenue open to him to bring joy and kindness. He believes this to be his sacred mission.
You can reach Peter at pete@peteschroeder.com His books are available on Amazon and ElderProof Home
Some of his songs are on iTunes and others on www.peteschroeder.com He also has a variety of You Tube presentations, some are listed as A Man For All Seniors (Schroeder performs for seniors), others are listed as Peter Schroeder or PGS. Do yourself a favor and let him "make your day."
Peter Schroeder is a principle in the WOMCD movement.
Today's blog is an acknowledgment of a man who listens to the dreams of others. His kindness as he listens is astounding. No matter the topic or subject, he has the ability to access a kind place within himself and respond to the speaker in a direct and compassionate tone. In times of sadness, distress, planning, shock or anger, it is amazing what kindness can do to make a huge difference in a person's outlook or future.
Peter Schroeder was born with one hand that was not fully formed. Despite several operations, his hand never fully developed and he was left with what his granddaughter calls his "baby hand." Courage is also a part of Mr. Schroeder's make up. Not the type of courage that would take him to bungee off a bridge, nor the type of courage to defy the Midwest rules of behavior he was brought up with. His courage is the type that came from learning to tie his shoes with one hand, to play baseball everyday after school despite being the last kid picked for the team. His courage would lead him to learn and play the guitar and golf and one day say, "My hand did not happen to me, it happened for me." This is not a Pollyanna approach. Peter believes it. "It makes me memorable," he says with a smile.
Peter Schroeder is memorable not because of a misshapen hand, he is memorable because his mission is to connect with as many people as he can every day. He believes he can "make their day" and he does. A tired and overworked gate attendant at the airport finds a smile when Schroeder shows up with a cup of Starbucks with which he surprises her. The bagger at the local market lights up when Schroeder asks him what is his favorite movie, or who he would most like to see in concert that weekend. Peter Schroeder talks to people in elevators, and people love it. Some smile, some laugh and they all depart a little lighter, a little brighter. Peter has "made their day."
A present day knight, Peter Schroeder seems to be a throwback to another age when valor, honesty, kindness, and loyalty were words that men lived by, words that set them apart and put them at a round table to help shape the land they lived in. Peter believes human beings are born with these attributes and they only need a nudge to appear. This is not a man who knows cynicism.
Peter is the guy on the bowling team, the man who holds the door and winks at the little old lady walking through. Charm helps, as do blue eyes that sparkle. He likes absolutely nothing better than to share, which he does through writing (he is a published author - "It's Your Movie" and "Ten Tips for Family Caregivers"), through performingh (he is a singer songwriter - look for him on iTunes), through coaching (a Certified Master Coach), through motivational speaking, and most recently he and a friend began, Elder Proof Home, an online site that addresses keeping seniors safe, independent and thriving. The new site has articles, tips, a variety of products, and coaching for family caregivers. Elder Proof Home is a result of Mr. Schroeder's involvement with his elderly father. He (Schroeder) moved from Sedona, Az. to a suburb of Chicago to supervise his father's care almost four years ago. What he thought would be a 6-9 month commitment has turned into a much different outcome. Living in his father's townhouse, returning to sub-zero temperatures and dealing with the day-in and day-out stresses of being responsible for a 92-year old man with dementia, has been what Peter describes as a mixed blessing. When asked why he moved in with the senior Mr. Schroeder, Peter reports there was no other option. He saw a need and knew he could make "his father's day."
His Action: Take the high road. Recite the boy scout code and live like Davy Crockett.
Peter Schroeder makes a difference to a wide variety of people daily. He uses any avenue open to him to bring joy and kindness. He believes this to be his sacred mission.
You can reach Peter at pete@peteschroeder.com His books are available on Amazon and ElderProof Home
Some of his songs are on iTunes and others on www.peteschroeder.com He also has a variety of You Tube presentations, some are listed as A Man For All Seniors (Schroeder performs for seniors), others are listed as Peter Schroeder or PGS. Do yourself a favor and let him "make your day."
Peter Schroeder is a principle in the WOMCD movement.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
40 in 40 Day #24
Day #24 Most of us know the power of positive thinking. How many of us believe the power truly exists, and use it to make positive thoughts a daily and hourly habit? For many adults, the response to the power of thought is a roll of the eyes or the words "it's merely a coincidence." Time seems to have worn some people's belief in their own power, or the power of the Universe, down or perhaps diluted their belief.
Mackenzie Saunders put her belief into action after a soccer accident in which she collided with another player. Her mother noticed Mackenzie bounced right back up, as usual, but within minutes, it was evident that something was wrong. Limping, Mackenzie complained that her legs were burning, and her mother noticed the unusual tears. Mackenzie was not a crier. Going to the ER, the little soccer player could not feel her toes, and her legs were in terrible pain. Tests revealed that she had fractured her tailbone and a vertebra in her lower back. Spinal cord injuries are serious and it is often impossible to predict long-term outcomes. Nobody could tell Mackenzie's mother if or when Mackenzie would walk again. No one, that is, but Mackenzie.
Pain was excruciating, yet the doctor stated that sometimes pain showed the possibility that nerves were healing, although it could also mean that her paralysis was spreading.
Mackenzie decided she would walk again. As the days stretched into weeks, and then a month, there was no relief. Painful therapy to exercise eleven-year old legs would lead into such a struggle for the little girl, that it brought tears to her mother's eyes. Mackenzie focused on what came after the therapy, for it helped her move through the pain. After the pain of daily therapy, came a time for visitors. Mackenzie enlisted all those who knew her in her vision of walking again. She went so far as to put a photo of herself in her soccer uniform with the words, Think positive, in all her thank you notes. When told to pick out her favorite color cane, Mackenzie Saunders declined any cane. "I will not be needing a cane." In time, Mackenzie's belief and determination had her walking on her own. Transformation from paralyzed legs to walking under her own volition would be enough for any child (or adult!) to accomplish. It was not enough for Mackenzie.
Returning to school, Mackenzie did not sign up for soccer but rather chose to enroll in speech. She had another vision, another belief. She would share her experience with others who needed hope. Returning to the hospital where she had learned how to come back from paralyzed limbs, she now traveled as a spokesperson to visit kids with injuries. TV brought her story to others who had lost hope, bringing them a light in a place of darkness. Mackenzie brought her belief and continues to bring her belief of hope to all who meet her.
Mackenzie Saunders, a real life hero at the age of eleven.
Her Action: When faced with a choice, she chose hope and determination.
See her story on you tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGdiKu_f_M
Mackenzie Saunders put her belief into action after a soccer accident in which she collided with another player. Her mother noticed Mackenzie bounced right back up, as usual, but within minutes, it was evident that something was wrong. Limping, Mackenzie complained that her legs were burning, and her mother noticed the unusual tears. Mackenzie was not a crier. Going to the ER, the little soccer player could not feel her toes, and her legs were in terrible pain. Tests revealed that she had fractured her tailbone and a vertebra in her lower back. Spinal cord injuries are serious and it is often impossible to predict long-term outcomes. Nobody could tell Mackenzie's mother if or when Mackenzie would walk again. No one, that is, but Mackenzie.
Pain was excruciating, yet the doctor stated that sometimes pain showed the possibility that nerves were healing, although it could also mean that her paralysis was spreading.
Mackenzie decided she would walk again. As the days stretched into weeks, and then a month, there was no relief. Painful therapy to exercise eleven-year old legs would lead into such a struggle for the little girl, that it brought tears to her mother's eyes. Mackenzie focused on what came after the therapy, for it helped her move through the pain. After the pain of daily therapy, came a time for visitors. Mackenzie enlisted all those who knew her in her vision of walking again. She went so far as to put a photo of herself in her soccer uniform with the words, Think positive, in all her thank you notes. When told to pick out her favorite color cane, Mackenzie Saunders declined any cane. "I will not be needing a cane." In time, Mackenzie's belief and determination had her walking on her own. Transformation from paralyzed legs to walking under her own volition would be enough for any child (or adult!) to accomplish. It was not enough for Mackenzie.
Returning to school, Mackenzie did not sign up for soccer but rather chose to enroll in speech. She had another vision, another belief. She would share her experience with others who needed hope. Returning to the hospital where she had learned how to come back from paralyzed limbs, she now traveled as a spokesperson to visit kids with injuries. TV brought her story to others who had lost hope, bringing them a light in a place of darkness. Mackenzie brought her belief and continues to bring her belief of hope to all who meet her.
Mackenzie Saunders, a real life hero at the age of eleven.
Her Action: When faced with a choice, she chose hope and determination.
See her story on you tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXGdiKu_f_M
40 in 40 Day #23
Day #23 Divorce can be an upheaval in any person's life. Changes in finances, changes in housing, changes in friendships, changes in dreams for the future are only small parts of what happens when a marriage ends. Difficult at best for adults. Imagine the impact on a child.
Carolyn Ellis not only imagined the impact, she took steps to reduce this impact. Finding herself divorced and the mother of young children, Carolyn looked around and asked herself, "How can I be a single woman with children?" How could she deal with her own anger, her hurt and betrayal, and yet support the love between her children and their father? How could she deal with the overwhelming guilty thought that somehow she could not "fix it" for her children? What did she need to do to care for herself at a time in her life when all she really wanted was to stay in bed and cover her head? The questions prompted answers.
Carolyn is an intelligent woman who has been involved in the self-growth and transformation field for a number of years. She was wise enough to use a coach to assist her to find answers as she took the needed time to journal the inner wisdom that came to her as she questioned.
Eventually, she began to organize her wise and practical answers. Those answers would be translated into a book to help others. "The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What To Avoid To Help Your Children Thrive After Divorce," by Carolyn Ellis, was published in 2007. The book is a Best Books Award Winner (USA Book News) and an invaluable tool to assist divorced or divorcing parents during a time of upheaval and chaos. Had I read this book 25 years ago, I would have avoided a great deal of mistakes.
The book was actually a launching pad for Ms. Ellis, who has gone on to create a thriving business that helps individuals Thrive in a wide variety of life situations. Her techniques of Thrive can be viewed on her websites www.thriveafterdivorce.com and www..brilliancemastery.com
Her Action: Carolyn used her adverse situation to find answers for herself, and she then was prompted to share her answers with others. I also know her to be a woman of great self-discipline.
Please contact Carolyn Ellis through her websites and sign up for her newsletter. She offers classes and podcasts in addition to coaching.
Carolyn Ellis not only imagined the impact, she took steps to reduce this impact. Finding herself divorced and the mother of young children, Carolyn looked around and asked herself, "How can I be a single woman with children?" How could she deal with her own anger, her hurt and betrayal, and yet support the love between her children and their father? How could she deal with the overwhelming guilty thought that somehow she could not "fix it" for her children? What did she need to do to care for herself at a time in her life when all she really wanted was to stay in bed and cover her head? The questions prompted answers.
Carolyn is an intelligent woman who has been involved in the self-growth and transformation field for a number of years. She was wise enough to use a coach to assist her to find answers as she took the needed time to journal the inner wisdom that came to her as she questioned.
Eventually, she began to organize her wise and practical answers. Those answers would be translated into a book to help others. "The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What To Avoid To Help Your Children Thrive After Divorce," by Carolyn Ellis, was published in 2007. The book is a Best Books Award Winner (USA Book News) and an invaluable tool to assist divorced or divorcing parents during a time of upheaval and chaos. Had I read this book 25 years ago, I would have avoided a great deal of mistakes.
The book was actually a launching pad for Ms. Ellis, who has gone on to create a thriving business that helps individuals Thrive in a wide variety of life situations. Her techniques of Thrive can be viewed on her websites www.thriveafterdivorce.com and www..brilliancemastery.com
Her Action: Carolyn used her adverse situation to find answers for herself, and she then was prompted to share her answers with others. I also know her to be a woman of great self-discipline.
Please contact Carolyn Ellis through her websites and sign up for her newsletter. She offers classes and podcasts in addition to coaching.
40 in 40 Day #22
Day # 22 Have you heard of Geoffrey Canada? If you are poor, black and attend school in New York's Harlem Children's Zone, you would know Mr. Canada very well.
Geoffrey Canada grew up poor in the South Bronx. His parents divorced and Canada's father had little contact with his children and there was no support for the family. Mr. Canada has become a champion of the need for fathers to be involved in their children's lives. As a society, we have come to accept the disappearance of fathers and have forgotten or denied their vital role in the raising of children. Geoffrey Canada keeps us reminded.
Knowing first hand how unfair life can be, Geoffrey Canada does not and will not succumb. Receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Bowdoin College, Canada went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mr. Canada has used his degrees to help children whom he believes are born longing for something bigger.
Starting as president in 1990, Canada began working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families which evolved into the Harlem Children's Zone. Unsatisfied with the scope of Rheedlen, Canada transformed the organization's makeup in the late 1990s into a center that would actively follow the academic careers of youths in a 24-block area of Harlem. The goal is to increase the high school and graduation rates of Harlem students, sometimes enrolling these children before birth. The Harlem Children's Zone has become a model for other programs in the country and expects to serve over 18,000 children by 2011. Tracking children from kindergarten through high school and beyond, Geoffrey Canada has shown what can happen when children are cared for by adults who believe in a child's promise, and work to bring that promise to the world.
Mr. Canada is the founder of The Harlem Children's Zone. This program is multi-faceted and addresses not only educational needs, but also social and health needs of the children who participate. Geoffrey Canada would love to replicate the success of this program in other cities. I would love to see him accomplish this goal.
His Action: He gives back. He sees a need, identifies with the longing, and gives back to the place from which he came.
In 2005, U.S. News and World Report named Geoffrey Canada one of it's Best Leaders.
To read more or contribute to this plan for the future go to http://www.hcz.org/
Geoffrey Canada grew up poor in the South Bronx. His parents divorced and Canada's father had little contact with his children and there was no support for the family. Mr. Canada has become a champion of the need for fathers to be involved in their children's lives. As a society, we have come to accept the disappearance of fathers and have forgotten or denied their vital role in the raising of children. Geoffrey Canada keeps us reminded.
Knowing first hand how unfair life can be, Geoffrey Canada does not and will not succumb. Receiving a Bachelor's Degree from Bowdoin College, Canada went on to receive a Master's Degree in Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education. Mr. Canada has used his degrees to help children whom he believes are born longing for something bigger.
Starting as president in 1990, Canada began working with the Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families which evolved into the Harlem Children's Zone. Unsatisfied with the scope of Rheedlen, Canada transformed the organization's makeup in the late 1990s into a center that would actively follow the academic careers of youths in a 24-block area of Harlem. The goal is to increase the high school and graduation rates of Harlem students, sometimes enrolling these children before birth. The Harlem Children's Zone has become a model for other programs in the country and expects to serve over 18,000 children by 2011. Tracking children from kindergarten through high school and beyond, Geoffrey Canada has shown what can happen when children are cared for by adults who believe in a child's promise, and work to bring that promise to the world.
Mr. Canada is the founder of The Harlem Children's Zone. This program is multi-faceted and addresses not only educational needs, but also social and health needs of the children who participate. Geoffrey Canada would love to replicate the success of this program in other cities. I would love to see him accomplish this goal.
His Action: He gives back. He sees a need, identifies with the longing, and gives back to the place from which he came.
In 2005, U.S. News and World Report named Geoffrey Canada one of it's Best Leaders.
To read more or contribute to this plan for the future go to http://www.hcz.org/
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
40 in 40 Day #21
Day #21 Joumana Rizk is a woman who giggles when you compliment her, praise her or list her large body of work and accomplishments. She is humble in certain arenas and yet her passion has been the theater. As a child she would create plays and when she was sent to school she would organize the other students and Joumana would become the Theater Director. The school she attended had no formal department for drama so Joumana did what she does best, she created the structure to assure there would be productions. Little did she know that she was in training to produce worldwide events as an adult.
Ms. Rizk was born in Lebanon amid the conflict of the country and the conflict of her family. As a child she noticed the philanthropic work that her mother took part in and paid close attention to the work her father was creating, the infrastructure of their country. Both parent's interests and skills would come together in Joumana, shaping her life path and great ability to develop programs that make a huge difference in the world.
At the age of 14, Joumana was moved to the United States with her parents. Guilt would surface years later when Joumana thought about her homeland and what she had left behind when she departed Lebanon. This led her to take her skills she had developed through her training with Debbie Ford (see entry #2) back to Lebanon to lead the first Shadow Process in that country. Joumana has led workshops that explore the shadow in New York and Lebanon. Her dedication to peace and conflict resolution was born, according to her, from the conflict she saw around her as she grew. She knew there was a better way and when her frustration with her career in the theater led her to the work of Debbie Ford, she had a spiritual awakening that continues to this day.
Not one to take the middle road, Joumana Rizk went from an avowed atheist to becoming a representative of Amma (NGO M.A. Math) at the United Nations. Amma is a Hindu religious leader who some believe to be a present-day saint. Joumana has taken her role seriously as she embraces the teachings of this very holy woman.
Continually striving to bring peace to the chaos of the world and the individual, Joumana has recently launched Peacelights, an organization dedicated to changing cultural shadows through personal transformation, arts and media projects, and leadership development. Her list of achievements and involvement in charitable events, organizations and development is extensive. She will not tell you all that she does unless she feels she can somehow help you. Joumana Rizk embodies the aspects of WOMCD. She dreams, loves and changes her world to make it work again. Her actions result in a better place for each of us. Now and in the future.
Action Taken: Action and movement is what this gifted woman carries into every area of her life.
You may reach Joumana at info@peacelights.org Peacelights is currently planning two great events for Peace Day, which is September 21st. They are looking for individuals who would like to take the word of peace to the streets on the 21st (or any day:).
Ms. Rizk was born in Lebanon amid the conflict of the country and the conflict of her family. As a child she noticed the philanthropic work that her mother took part in and paid close attention to the work her father was creating, the infrastructure of their country. Both parent's interests and skills would come together in Joumana, shaping her life path and great ability to develop programs that make a huge difference in the world.
At the age of 14, Joumana was moved to the United States with her parents. Guilt would surface years later when Joumana thought about her homeland and what she had left behind when she departed Lebanon. This led her to take her skills she had developed through her training with Debbie Ford (see entry #2) back to Lebanon to lead the first Shadow Process in that country. Joumana has led workshops that explore the shadow in New York and Lebanon. Her dedication to peace and conflict resolution was born, according to her, from the conflict she saw around her as she grew. She knew there was a better way and when her frustration with her career in the theater led her to the work of Debbie Ford, she had a spiritual awakening that continues to this day.
Not one to take the middle road, Joumana Rizk went from an avowed atheist to becoming a representative of Amma (NGO M.A. Math) at the United Nations. Amma is a Hindu religious leader who some believe to be a present-day saint. Joumana has taken her role seriously as she embraces the teachings of this very holy woman.
Continually striving to bring peace to the chaos of the world and the individual, Joumana has recently launched Peacelights, an organization dedicated to changing cultural shadows through personal transformation, arts and media projects, and leadership development. Her list of achievements and involvement in charitable events, organizations and development is extensive. She will not tell you all that she does unless she feels she can somehow help you. Joumana Rizk embodies the aspects of WOMCD. She dreams, loves and changes her world to make it work again. Her actions result in a better place for each of us. Now and in the future.
Action Taken: Action and movement is what this gifted woman carries into every area of her life.
You may reach Joumana at info@peacelights.org Peacelights is currently planning two great events for Peace Day, which is September 21st. They are looking for individuals who would like to take the word of peace to the streets on the 21st (or any day:).
Monday, September 13, 2010
40 in 40 Day #20
Day #20 I am half way through my 40 in 40. As with almost everything in my life I have learned more than I have taught. I imagine by day 40 I will learn even more. I love that about life. As humans we think we will teach or give or share and the person who really gets taught, the person who really receives, the person who really benefits from the sharing, is the person who initiated the process. Very cool, Universe. I like how you do things:)
At this half way point, I am dedicating this day to those of you who are waiting in the wings to share, to teach, to give, to contribute. You are making a difference.
You are making a difference to the classroom waiting for a man filled with passion to share his knowledge of the civil war with them. They will learn about the Civil War (or Math or Shakespeare or Botany, etc) but will they get the spark? Will it come to life for this classroom who is waiting to come to life? You are making a difference to the young woman walking the baby carriage back and forth, day in and day out, waiting for someone to say "Hello" or to invite her to have coffee and to guide her in the ways of parenting or to listen to her frustration. She will release those frustrations (maybe on the baby, maybe by having a few too many glasses of wine) but frustrations get released and loneliness is solved, not always in ways that benefit the lonely, but it is solved. Do you believe you may be saving a life, shaping a life by inviting someone to coffee? I know first hand that you are. You are making a difference when you vote. You are making a difference when you smile. You are making a difference when you call. You are making a difference. You always make a difference. Always. If you lay on your couch, watch soap operas, smoke crack and never leave your apartment you are making a difference.
My question on Day #20 is what type of difference do you want to make? What would you like to learn? What would you like to have someone share with you? What would you like someone to give you? That is the difference you may choose to make or not. You get to decide.
Action Taken: Ability to decide
At this half way point, I am dedicating this day to those of you who are waiting in the wings to share, to teach, to give, to contribute. You are making a difference.
You are making a difference to the classroom waiting for a man filled with passion to share his knowledge of the civil war with them. They will learn about the Civil War (or Math or Shakespeare or Botany, etc) but will they get the spark? Will it come to life for this classroom who is waiting to come to life? You are making a difference to the young woman walking the baby carriage back and forth, day in and day out, waiting for someone to say "Hello" or to invite her to have coffee and to guide her in the ways of parenting or to listen to her frustration. She will release those frustrations (maybe on the baby, maybe by having a few too many glasses of wine) but frustrations get released and loneliness is solved, not always in ways that benefit the lonely, but it is solved. Do you believe you may be saving a life, shaping a life by inviting someone to coffee? I know first hand that you are. You are making a difference when you vote. You are making a difference when you smile. You are making a difference when you call. You are making a difference. You always make a difference. Always. If you lay on your couch, watch soap operas, smoke crack and never leave your apartment you are making a difference.
My question on Day #20 is what type of difference do you want to make? What would you like to learn? What would you like to have someone share with you? What would you like someone to give you? That is the difference you may choose to make or not. You get to decide.
Action Taken: Ability to decide
40 in 40 Day #19
Day #19 I get lost. If I have been to a particular address several times I can still get lost driving there. I especially get lost as I return home. MapQuest was a help when it came out but often I still got lost. I have accepted this fact and for years depended on the kindness of strangers as I would stop and ask how to get where I wanted to go. People are very kind and I quickly learned that people will often tell you what they believe to be the correct directions, so you can be happy and not in a panic. Often, I was given incorrect directions and became lost and had to stop and ask again. My car has several maps. I like maps unless I am trying to determine where I am and where I am going. I do not like to unfold and try to refold maps and I truly detest those F2 or D3 attempts at showing you where you are or where your Dr. office may be hiding on the map.
What does my getting lost and not knowing directions have to do with making a difference? GPS. I was recently given a GPS as a gift. It may be the best gift I have ever been given. My husband and I attempt to never buy any product that has a manual. Our GPS came with a manual, so it sat on the dining room table for almost a month before we worked up our courage to have my husband set it up as operational. He claims it was easy to set up. It is a breeze to use! It has changed my life and I am guessing the lives of others such as myself who are directionally challenged.
I went to Answers.com and asked, "Who invented the GPS?" Here is the answer.
Roger Easton was a collaberating individual among a group of individuals including Ivan Getting, Colonel Brad Parkinson, James Buisson, Thomas McCaskill, Don Lynch, Charles A. Bartholomew and Randolph Zirn.
As is the case with many "inventions," there were numerous parallel efforts, and many committees involved. Approximately $12 billion was spent to develop the program, and along the way compromise was necessary to maintain funding controlled by politicians with an agenda.
Do you wonder what type of compromise and why? What type of agenda? Were there politicians who wanted their favorite restaurants included or a special language or did they want it named for their district or state? Did they want a "free" GPS for their car? Most people surveyed had no idea what type of agenda the politicians would have had.. Do you know? Do you have a theory? If you do, let me know.
My GPS is wonderful and I am in deep gratitude to those brilliant men,women and politicians who have made it available. A feature I especially love is the "recalculating" feature. Perhaps that was an agenda item. For those without a GPS, recalculating is what the non-judgmental voice says when you miss a turn or turn in the opposite direction of where you were directed to turn. I wish I could have have had that voice in my head, in that particular undramatic tone throughout my life. For example when I discovered my husband (now ex) was "involved" with a friend, I could have said, "Recalculating." I could have said that word when I discovered where my teenagers really were, or when I found myself once again in a job I thought I wanted and really hated. Recalculating, said in a very non-dramatic, unjudgmental almost soothing way. Just get back on the path and continue in the correct direction. No need to sit on the side of the road and weep and scream and downgrade others, just, "Recalculating." That GPS, she is a very centered being.
I had the thought that perhaps God may be like my GPS. He/She sees where I am to go, gives me the directions to get there and then, I take a wrong turn. God does not leave or call me names. Just, "Recalculating." Somehow or somewhere I get back on the path that is my life and then there I go again, turning left not right, thinking I know the way or thinking maybe I am at my destination. I think if I were God (or a GPS) I might say, "Are you stupid!? I have given you this direction a dozen different ways and times and I am done, done, done with recalculating for you!" I would say that. Not God, not my GPS. They just stay right there with me, patiently saying, "Recalculating" and waiting for me to catch on. Is it weird to aspire to be like a GPS?
Action Taken: Listen and follow directions:)
To get a GPS go to a store or get great friends like Father Mike and Mary Ann. They will give you one.
What does my getting lost and not knowing directions have to do with making a difference? GPS. I was recently given a GPS as a gift. It may be the best gift I have ever been given. My husband and I attempt to never buy any product that has a manual. Our GPS came with a manual, so it sat on the dining room table for almost a month before we worked up our courage to have my husband set it up as operational. He claims it was easy to set up. It is a breeze to use! It has changed my life and I am guessing the lives of others such as myself who are directionally challenged.
I went to Answers.com and asked, "Who invented the GPS?" Here is the answer.
Roger Easton was a collaberating individual among a group of individuals including Ivan Getting, Colonel Brad Parkinson, James Buisson, Thomas McCaskill, Don Lynch, Charles A. Bartholomew and Randolph Zirn.
As is the case with many "inventions," there were numerous parallel efforts, and many committees involved. Approximately $12 billion was spent to develop the program, and along the way compromise was necessary to maintain funding controlled by politicians with an agenda.
Do you wonder what type of compromise and why? What type of agenda? Were there politicians who wanted their favorite restaurants included or a special language or did they want it named for their district or state? Did they want a "free" GPS for their car? Most people surveyed had no idea what type of agenda the politicians would have had.. Do you know? Do you have a theory? If you do, let me know.
My GPS is wonderful and I am in deep gratitude to those brilliant men,women and politicians who have made it available. A feature I especially love is the "recalculating" feature. Perhaps that was an agenda item. For those without a GPS, recalculating is what the non-judgmental voice says when you miss a turn or turn in the opposite direction of where you were directed to turn. I wish I could have have had that voice in my head, in that particular undramatic tone throughout my life. For example when I discovered my husband (now ex) was "involved" with a friend, I could have said, "Recalculating." I could have said that word when I discovered where my teenagers really were, or when I found myself once again in a job I thought I wanted and really hated. Recalculating, said in a very non-dramatic, unjudgmental almost soothing way. Just get back on the path and continue in the correct direction. No need to sit on the side of the road and weep and scream and downgrade others, just, "Recalculating." That GPS, she is a very centered being.
I had the thought that perhaps God may be like my GPS. He/She sees where I am to go, gives me the directions to get there and then, I take a wrong turn. God does not leave or call me names. Just, "Recalculating." Somehow or somewhere I get back on the path that is my life and then there I go again, turning left not right, thinking I know the way or thinking maybe I am at my destination. I think if I were God (or a GPS) I might say, "Are you stupid!? I have given you this direction a dozen different ways and times and I am done, done, done with recalculating for you!" I would say that. Not God, not my GPS. They just stay right there with me, patiently saying, "Recalculating" and waiting for me to catch on. Is it weird to aspire to be like a GPS?
Action Taken: Listen and follow directions:)
To get a GPS go to a store or get great friends like Father Mike and Mary Ann. They will give you one.
40 in 40 Day #18
Day #18 Day # 18 in the 40 in 40 line up was September 11th. As you know I was with Victoria Caras. Peter Schroeder, a man who makes a difference daily and a partner in What One Man Can Do wrote the following and posted it to our facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts. I could not have written anything more succinct.
9.11 reminds me that we can do astounding things. We can make such differences that life on this planet, as we know it, is never the same. And just as crucial, we can make a change in our relationship, family, community or city that has a profound impact on all it touches. Remember, each action we take, each word we say, has consequences, and lasting ramifications - a long shelf-life. And it is always OUR CHOICE! Today of all days, take a good look at what one man can do - in the name of creation or the name of destruction. Just as a child can build a house with Legos, a child can knock it down. Just as an adult can adopt a child, raise a child and love a child, an adult can abuse a child, and scar a child. This 9.11, you are invited to choose to create, choose to love. Please don't choose to destroy or abuse. And almost as bad, please don't choose to do nothing. Instead, make this a beautiful day for yourself and someone else.
Action Taken: Choice. What do you choose?
You can respond to this or post your own thoughts here or on our facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts
9.11 reminds me that we can do astounding things. We can make such differences that life on this planet, as we know it, is never the same. And just as crucial, we can make a change in our relationship, family, community or city that has a profound impact on all it touches. Remember, each action we take, each word we say, has consequences, and lasting ramifications - a long shelf-life. And it is always OUR CHOICE! Today of all days, take a good look at what one man can do - in the name of creation or the name of destruction. Just as a child can build a house with Legos, a child can knock it down. Just as an adult can adopt a child, raise a child and love a child, an adult can abuse a child, and scar a child. This 9.11, you are invited to choose to create, choose to love. Please don't choose to destroy or abuse. And almost as bad, please don't choose to do nothing. Instead, make this a beautiful day for yourself and someone else.
Action Taken: Choice. What do you choose?
You can respond to this or post your own thoughts here or on our facebook page;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=326600162453&ref=ts
40 in 40 Day #17
Day #17 Wow! I just spent time with an amazing woman. Victoria Caras is a woman who is my hero. She fights for people who have medical bills they can not decipher, and the insurance companies are not paying. Victoria fights for the "little guy" in a world overrun with papers and sub-headings and part A and Part B and loopholes. Ms. Caras fights for those of us who are intimidated when we see the return address on an envelope stating it is from a hospital or an insurance agency. Victoria is my hero.
Victoria is the reason I have not written in several days. I met Victoria in Aspen, Colorado last year. My good friend and partner in What One Man Can Do, Donna Lipman, was in Aspen receiving the John Denver Spirit award in her husband's name. My husband and I were there to support Donna. Her husband, Terry Lipman, had been a dear friend who had died suddenly in 2009, and we we also wanted to honor his accomplishment. It was a great weekend and I met several people who are making a difference in the world.
One of them was Victoria Caras. We quickly connected and have spent time emailing, phoning and I spent a day with her in Denver after a seminar and she came to Chicago this weekend to spend time here.
Victoria Caras has lived in New York and San Francisco. She graduated from Columbia with a law degree and has always been involved in helping those less fortunate. As I spoke with her to get a sense of when she felt called to give back, to contribute, she was very matter of fact. (Victoria is a very matter of fact type of woman.) "It is the right thing to do. You give back; it is what you are to do." This was her answer when I asked what has propelled her all these years. As a freshman in high school, Victoria organized a group of teens that helped younger children. It was called T.A.S.K. - Teen Agers Serving Kids. When I asked her why she did this, she shrugged her shoulders and said,"It's what you do." No, it is not what one does, at least not always.
There was a reason that Victoria began Aspen Medical Billing Advocates. Within a very short amount of time, Victoria Caras' world came crashing down. Her ex canceled her insurance, she discovered she had cancer, and she had a major skiing accident. The bills were astronomical. One thing you notice about Victoria within the first five minutes of meeting her is her resolve. She made the decision to not allow these major setbacks to stop her. She made calls, she wrote letters, she did Google search after Google search to find less expensive alternatives that would be effective. She researched prescription drugs and the various costs. She triumphed.
She not only healed, but her path became crystallized. If she could do this for herself, she could do this for others. Victoria Caras is not intimidated when she sees the return address on the envelope is from a hospital or insurance agency.
She is saving lives. One of her clients, after developing cancer, wanted the very best treatment and a particular hospital was chosen. Unfortunately, this particular hospital (the very best for his type of cancer) did not take his insurance. Enter Ms. Caras. She negotiated a very win/win solution and the man is alive today and his hospital bill is paid. Aspen Medical Billing Advocates are truly advocates. Victoria Caras is truly a woman who makes a difference.
Action she took: Victoria sees giving as what everyone is to do. She does not see it as heroic or amazing or dramatic. She sees it as an "Of course!"
You can reach my hero at Info@AspenBillingAdvocates.com
Victoria is the reason I have not written in several days. I met Victoria in Aspen, Colorado last year. My good friend and partner in What One Man Can Do, Donna Lipman, was in Aspen receiving the John Denver Spirit award in her husband's name. My husband and I were there to support Donna. Her husband, Terry Lipman, had been a dear friend who had died suddenly in 2009, and we we also wanted to honor his accomplishment. It was a great weekend and I met several people who are making a difference in the world.
One of them was Victoria Caras. We quickly connected and have spent time emailing, phoning and I spent a day with her in Denver after a seminar and she came to Chicago this weekend to spend time here.
Victoria Caras has lived in New York and San Francisco. She graduated from Columbia with a law degree and has always been involved in helping those less fortunate. As I spoke with her to get a sense of when she felt called to give back, to contribute, she was very matter of fact. (Victoria is a very matter of fact type of woman.) "It is the right thing to do. You give back; it is what you are to do." This was her answer when I asked what has propelled her all these years. As a freshman in high school, Victoria organized a group of teens that helped younger children. It was called T.A.S.K. - Teen Agers Serving Kids. When I asked her why she did this, she shrugged her shoulders and said,"It's what you do." No, it is not what one does, at least not always.
There was a reason that Victoria began Aspen Medical Billing Advocates. Within a very short amount of time, Victoria Caras' world came crashing down. Her ex canceled her insurance, she discovered she had cancer, and she had a major skiing accident. The bills were astronomical. One thing you notice about Victoria within the first five minutes of meeting her is her resolve. She made the decision to not allow these major setbacks to stop her. She made calls, she wrote letters, she did Google search after Google search to find less expensive alternatives that would be effective. She researched prescription drugs and the various costs. She triumphed.
She not only healed, but her path became crystallized. If she could do this for herself, she could do this for others. Victoria Caras is not intimidated when she sees the return address on the envelope is from a hospital or insurance agency.
She is saving lives. One of her clients, after developing cancer, wanted the very best treatment and a particular hospital was chosen. Unfortunately, this particular hospital (the very best for his type of cancer) did not take his insurance. Enter Ms. Caras. She negotiated a very win/win solution and the man is alive today and his hospital bill is paid. Aspen Medical Billing Advocates are truly advocates. Victoria Caras is truly a woman who makes a difference.
Action she took: Victoria sees giving as what everyone is to do. She does not see it as heroic or amazing or dramatic. She sees it as an "Of course!"
You can reach my hero at Info@AspenBillingAdvocates.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
40 in 40 Day #16
Day #16 As a child I loved watching "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriot". Sara Buckner (O'Meara) and Yvonne Lime (Fedderson) were two young girls that would play the girlfriends of Ricky and David from time to time. They thought their life path was to one of acting, awards, parties and perhaps a movie they could star in. Life had another plan.
In 1959 they went to Japan on a goodwill mission for the United States. As they were walking the streets of Tokyo the young women came across eleven orphaned children living on the streets. The children were half Japanese and half American. Sara and Yvonne did not give the children money or take them to a local diner, they took all eleven children back to their hotel room, cleaned them up, fed them and got ready to take the small group to an orphanage in the morning. Life had just stepped in to show Buckner and Lime what their true life path was to become. The children were turned away from all orphanages due to their mixed race. Now what?
A woman in Japan, Kin Horvehig, would take all eleven children into her one room hut if the young women would promise to send money to care for the orphans. An agreement was reached. Word spread quickly and 100 mixed race children were dropped at the hut, all needing care. An awesome task for a seasoned veteran of non for profit but Sara and Yvonne knew nothing about orphanages, fund raising or regulations. They still said yes. Their hearts would only allow them to jump in and help. International Orphans Inc. was soon founded and eventually four orphanages were built.
In 1969 the US government again called upon the two women to help set up orphanages in Vietnam to care for the many children abandoned from the union of Americans and Vietnamese. Once it was time to pull out of Vietnam (1975)Sara and Yvonne organized and helped arrange Operation Baby Lift bringing a thousand babies back to the U.S. ready to be received by parents eager to adopt the children. An awesome accomplishment benefiting generations, but the path that life had laid out for the big hearted women was still not at an end.
A part of the fund raising that Sara and Yvonne did involved a great deal of speaking to large groups. After a speech they gave about The International Orphans, Inc. Nancy Reagan approached the pair. Mrs. Reagan asked Sara and Yvonne to turn their attention (and passions) towards the nations best kept secret, child abuse. Child abuse was the leading cause of death in young children (it continues to be the leading cause of death for young children). The two women immediately took up this important cause and in 1976 The International Orphans, Inc. name was officially changed to Children's Village USA. Today the organization is better known as Child Help.
Child Help became the life long mission for Sara and Yvonne who are still active in heading this wide reaching charity. They were able to produce the first film ("A Time to Love") that showed the damages and secrecy of child abuse. In 1982, they created a nation wide help line, 1.800.4.A. CHILD where suspected abuse could be reported anonymously and help given to those on the verge of harming a child. The line is manned 24/7. This charity utilizes 91 cents of every dollar collected, very little is used for overhead. Today Child Help has the hot line, residential treatment facilities, and advocacy centers throughout the U.S.
The two young women, who thought they would become actresses, have been nominated for The Nobel Prize in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Life had a different path for these ladies and luckily they took the path less traveled.
Their Action: They saw a need and acted immediately. They acted from their heart and then used their head. They did what it took to help.
For more information on this dynamic duo and to see what you could do to help or to gain additional information on child abuse please go to www.childhelp.org and when you get a chance hug your boy or girl.
In 1959 they went to Japan on a goodwill mission for the United States. As they were walking the streets of Tokyo the young women came across eleven orphaned children living on the streets. The children were half Japanese and half American. Sara and Yvonne did not give the children money or take them to a local diner, they took all eleven children back to their hotel room, cleaned them up, fed them and got ready to take the small group to an orphanage in the morning. Life had just stepped in to show Buckner and Lime what their true life path was to become. The children were turned away from all orphanages due to their mixed race. Now what?
A woman in Japan, Kin Horvehig, would take all eleven children into her one room hut if the young women would promise to send money to care for the orphans. An agreement was reached. Word spread quickly and 100 mixed race children were dropped at the hut, all needing care. An awesome task for a seasoned veteran of non for profit but Sara and Yvonne knew nothing about orphanages, fund raising or regulations. They still said yes. Their hearts would only allow them to jump in and help. International Orphans Inc. was soon founded and eventually four orphanages were built.
In 1969 the US government again called upon the two women to help set up orphanages in Vietnam to care for the many children abandoned from the union of Americans and Vietnamese. Once it was time to pull out of Vietnam (1975)Sara and Yvonne organized and helped arrange Operation Baby Lift bringing a thousand babies back to the U.S. ready to be received by parents eager to adopt the children. An awesome accomplishment benefiting generations, but the path that life had laid out for the big hearted women was still not at an end.
A part of the fund raising that Sara and Yvonne did involved a great deal of speaking to large groups. After a speech they gave about The International Orphans, Inc. Nancy Reagan approached the pair. Mrs. Reagan asked Sara and Yvonne to turn their attention (and passions) towards the nations best kept secret, child abuse. Child abuse was the leading cause of death in young children (it continues to be the leading cause of death for young children). The two women immediately took up this important cause and in 1976 The International Orphans, Inc. name was officially changed to Children's Village USA. Today the organization is better known as Child Help.
Child Help became the life long mission for Sara and Yvonne who are still active in heading this wide reaching charity. They were able to produce the first film ("A Time to Love") that showed the damages and secrecy of child abuse. In 1982, they created a nation wide help line, 1.800.4.A. CHILD where suspected abuse could be reported anonymously and help given to those on the verge of harming a child. The line is manned 24/7. This charity utilizes 91 cents of every dollar collected, very little is used for overhead. Today Child Help has the hot line, residential treatment facilities, and advocacy centers throughout the U.S.
The two young women, who thought they would become actresses, have been nominated for The Nobel Prize in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Life had a different path for these ladies and luckily they took the path less traveled.
Their Action: They saw a need and acted immediately. They acted from their heart and then used their head. They did what it took to help.
For more information on this dynamic duo and to see what you could do to help or to gain additional information on child abuse please go to www.childhelp.org and when you get a chance hug your boy or girl.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Many Thanks!
I believe that gratitude is the doorway to joy. Lots of joy when I see seven (7 !! Hooray!) followers.
Lots of gratitude.
My goal is 200 by the end of Sept (of this year). Please help me, help us get there.
Lots of gratitude.
My goal is 200 by the end of Sept (of this year). Please help me, help us get there.
40 in 40 Day #15
Day #15 If you ask Randy Boles when he became interested in spiritual issues he would tell you it was late in life. If you listen to Randy Boles speak about his life you know in your soul that Randy was born a seeker of spirit, of truth. He questioned, at an early age, his families beliefs and began to forge his own. He read and declared himself a sort of agnostic. The saying is that no one is an atheist in a fox hole and for Randy his fox hole was when his wife was diagnosed with cancer.
"I prayed, not knowing if anyone or anything was there. It was a bargain prayer about doing something for this God if my wife lived." 'She lived and I promptly forgot my promise, at least consciously." Mr. Boles was to go on exploring spiritual issues, Reiki, Neal Donald Walch's books. energy work, always being pulled closer to his own spirit. His spirit seemed to remember the promise.
In 1999 his wife died (not of cancer) and Randy found himself supported by a community he had become a part of. He began to share his beliefs and ideas with a young woman, Lissa. The two grew close and again he listened to his inner guidance telling him to marry.
Randy continued to grow in faith and continued (now with Lissa) to explore who he was and how he could contribute. What was his gift, his piece to give? His listening grew stronger and it led him to sell a home in Toronto and move to a small vacation paradise, Goderich in Canada facing the water, the big water. The Universe lined events up and all Randy needed was to follow the steps. He listened. A radio show, podcast, articles, teleclasses came forth in this place of quiet and creativity. He listened a little deeper, shared his insights with those lucky enough to hear and he began a book. During this time he heard the calling to formalize what he had become. He is now Reverend Randy Boles and still he listens. As I spoke with him to write this blog, he shared with me. He is hearing a call to become a monk. He is a man of deep holiness and all who he touches are quieted and find an inner peace. A man of God. A monk.
You can reach him at randy@thedawnzone.com The name refers to that time between sleep and awakening when we are able to truly hear who and what we are. The Dawn Zone.
His Action: He listens to an inner voice to gain his direction giving him an integrity of walking his talk. He is open to guidance.
Reverend Randy Boles, EFT practitioner, coach, healer, motivator, a man who is quietly, peacefully changing the world for the better.
"I prayed, not knowing if anyone or anything was there. It was a bargain prayer about doing something for this God if my wife lived." 'She lived and I promptly forgot my promise, at least consciously." Mr. Boles was to go on exploring spiritual issues, Reiki, Neal Donald Walch's books. energy work, always being pulled closer to his own spirit. His spirit seemed to remember the promise.
In 1999 his wife died (not of cancer) and Randy found himself supported by a community he had become a part of. He began to share his beliefs and ideas with a young woman, Lissa. The two grew close and again he listened to his inner guidance telling him to marry.
Randy continued to grow in faith and continued (now with Lissa) to explore who he was and how he could contribute. What was his gift, his piece to give? His listening grew stronger and it led him to sell a home in Toronto and move to a small vacation paradise, Goderich in Canada facing the water, the big water. The Universe lined events up and all Randy needed was to follow the steps. He listened. A radio show, podcast, articles, teleclasses came forth in this place of quiet and creativity. He listened a little deeper, shared his insights with those lucky enough to hear and he began a book. During this time he heard the calling to formalize what he had become. He is now Reverend Randy Boles and still he listens. As I spoke with him to write this blog, he shared with me. He is hearing a call to become a monk. He is a man of deep holiness and all who he touches are quieted and find an inner peace. A man of God. A monk.
You can reach him at randy@thedawnzone.com The name refers to that time between sleep and awakening when we are able to truly hear who and what we are. The Dawn Zone.
His Action: He listens to an inner voice to gain his direction giving him an integrity of walking his talk. He is open to guidance.
Reverend Randy Boles, EFT practitioner, coach, healer, motivator, a man who is quietly, peacefully changing the world for the better.
Monday, September 6, 2010
40 in 40 Day #14
Day #14 When you think of making a difference, changing the world, or contributing, do you think of fun or do you envision long hard days of sacrificial work? Deepak Chopra was asked by the Dali Lama to explore, in a scientific way, what made people happy. Was it shopping, winning the lottery, loosing weight, getting a raise, falling in love, what made people happy? Doing things for the self made people happy but doing for others made them more happy. Apparently it is not only more blessed to give then to receive, it is also, more joyful to give than to receive.
Active 20-30 International and it's members know that it just plain fun to contribute. The history of the club goes back to 1922 when two young men had the same idea to begin a service organization for young men. The clubs were virtually identical but it was not until 1959 that they merged and formed one organization. Eventually women were involved in the clubs and today Active 20-30 Clubs are an International Charitable Organization.
The mission is simple, yet profound: Active 20-30 US & Canada provides young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs children in their community.
"One never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child"
Clubs meet on a regular basis, hold fund (and fun) raisers, Operation Happy Kid, Teddies for Tragedy, days to play with children, and shop with children are only a few of the ongoing events of this extremely involved group of 20-39 year old men and women. Individuals may be married or single. Those looking for a great way to socialize with socially responsible beings may contact the club http://www.active20-30.com/
This is a no brainer way to become a person who is involved and at the same time having more fun than ever before. Put the remote down and go play!
Action Taken: Two young men heard the same message from the Universe and acted on it. Today they are merged, bigger and stronger than ever.
Warning! Do not join this club if you are looking for a quiet group of mild mannered men and women who do not take risks. The groups are filled with laughter, adventure and long term friendships.
Active 20-30 International and it's members know that it just plain fun to contribute. The history of the club goes back to 1922 when two young men had the same idea to begin a service organization for young men. The clubs were virtually identical but it was not until 1959 that they merged and formed one organization. Eventually women were involved in the clubs and today Active 20-30 Clubs are an International Charitable Organization.
The mission is simple, yet profound: Active 20-30 US & Canada provides young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs children in their community.
"One never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child"
Clubs meet on a regular basis, hold fund (and fun) raisers, Operation Happy Kid, Teddies for Tragedy, days to play with children, and shop with children are only a few of the ongoing events of this extremely involved group of 20-39 year old men and women. Individuals may be married or single. Those looking for a great way to socialize with socially responsible beings may contact the club http://www.active20-30.com/
This is a no brainer way to become a person who is involved and at the same time having more fun than ever before. Put the remote down and go play!
Action Taken: Two young men heard the same message from the Universe and acted on it. Today they are merged, bigger and stronger than ever.
Warning! Do not join this club if you are looking for a quiet group of mild mannered men and women who do not take risks. The groups are filled with laughter, adventure and long term friendships.
We Have Followers!
Is it pathetic to get excited, I mean really excited, when I see that we doubled our followers overnight? It makes no difference that last night we had 2 and today we have 4, they bottom line is.. we have 4. Only 196 more to reach my goal of 200 by the end of Sept.
Hooray! Welcome followers!!
Hooray! Welcome followers!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
40 in 40 Day #13
Day #13. Adam Heller and Tamara Leider met on a cruise in 2003. They recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. A second marriage for both of them, they each came to the marriage with children. Tamara has a beautiful daughter who is doing amazing things half way around the world and Adam has a great son who celebrated his bar mitzvah this year. Adam and Tamara have chosen to have no more children, at least not biological children. They have hundreds of other children they claim yet did not give birth to them.
Adam was raised by parents who were involved in their Temple, volunteered time, treasure and talent to others and became the role models for their children. Tamara was raised by a kind and giving father who traveled continually for work and she grew up living with various relatives until her father returned. The ethic to give back, to give to others, care for others, honor others was instilled at an early age. Tamara and Adam, though brought up worlds apart had very similar values and both shared a burning desire to make a difference. They have made a difference and continue to make a difference, changing the world for the better daily.
Prior to their wedding they both became interested in an orphanage in Mexico (Ebenezer). The facility was floundering and Adam stepped in, along with Tamara, to get the place functioning again. In Mexico, street children are plentiful. Those left on the street will either die or grow up to become prostitutes, petty thieves or worse. When these children are taken off of the street, placed in an orphanage such as Ebenezer, they now have a middle class existence to look forward to. They become educated, are taught the computer (one expense that Heller and Leider pushed) and not only do the lives of the children change but the lives for border guards change. If a person has a way to make a living, put food on the table for their family, they typically will pay taxes and follow the laws. This is what an orphanage provides.
Adam and Tamara began fund raising, they took groups of people to Ebenezer, purchased toilets, paper, computers, beds. They held babies, tried to speak Spanish to toddlers and changed diapers. They did what they saw was needed. Tamara ran a preschool when she lived in Toronto and was able to set up models assuring children began on the right foot. Nutrition and hygiene, the list is endless of all they worked on as they got Ebenezer up and running again. They then helped open a second facility. Heller and Leider then turned the running of both centers over to a third party and looked for where else they could give.
During this time Adam was active in Hospice and Tamara returned to school to get her US certification in early childhood education to pursue her dream of a school for children she could open in Laguna Beach where she now lived. They were busy (and did I mention they also are both life coaches and continued seeing clients) as they watched for other opportunities to make a difference.
Adam was active in The Rotary Club when he heard about a program Rotary supported, Rotoplast (http://www.rotaplast.org/ Rotoplast provides free reconstructive surgery to children, presently in South America. Rotoplast was going to Venezuela and they were looking for volunteers. Adam stepped forward and then convinced Tamara this was the next project. They flew to Venezuela for two weeks and worked every day of the two weeks assisting this noble cause.Adam was in the recovery room soothing the 134 children that came through the operating room and also acting as a sort of liaison with the families anxiously awaiting news.
Tamara had the demanding job of entertaining and preparing the children for major life altering surgery. The couple did not have luxury, they barely had necessities. What they did have was the knowledge they were making a difference.
For many people this would be enough; they gave, they helped, they made a difference. For Adam Heller and Tamara Leider giving is what they do, it is not an option, it is a way of life and they see it as "normal". To stop giving would be much like not breathing. When do you have enough air to breathe? When do you breathe enough?
Tamara is currently working on her website as she prepares her school (tamara@coachheller.com) She coaches individuals and is a woman of deep integrity and passion. Adam has a book he just finished on how to be pain free. He is having remarkable results with his work in the area of pain reversal(adam@rapidlifechange.com) Please email them for what Paul Harvey would call "The rest of the story."
Their Action: Giving is a part of their value system. They do not know how to not give.
They are a remarkable couple making a remarkable difference raising children who are also remarkable. Remarkable.
Adam was raised by parents who were involved in their Temple, volunteered time, treasure and talent to others and became the role models for their children. Tamara was raised by a kind and giving father who traveled continually for work and she grew up living with various relatives until her father returned. The ethic to give back, to give to others, care for others, honor others was instilled at an early age. Tamara and Adam, though brought up worlds apart had very similar values and both shared a burning desire to make a difference. They have made a difference and continue to make a difference, changing the world for the better daily.
Prior to their wedding they both became interested in an orphanage in Mexico (Ebenezer). The facility was floundering and Adam stepped in, along with Tamara, to get the place functioning again. In Mexico, street children are plentiful. Those left on the street will either die or grow up to become prostitutes, petty thieves or worse. When these children are taken off of the street, placed in an orphanage such as Ebenezer, they now have a middle class existence to look forward to. They become educated, are taught the computer (one expense that Heller and Leider pushed) and not only do the lives of the children change but the lives for border guards change. If a person has a way to make a living, put food on the table for their family, they typically will pay taxes and follow the laws. This is what an orphanage provides.
Adam and Tamara began fund raising, they took groups of people to Ebenezer, purchased toilets, paper, computers, beds. They held babies, tried to speak Spanish to toddlers and changed diapers. They did what they saw was needed. Tamara ran a preschool when she lived in Toronto and was able to set up models assuring children began on the right foot. Nutrition and hygiene, the list is endless of all they worked on as they got Ebenezer up and running again. They then helped open a second facility. Heller and Leider then turned the running of both centers over to a third party and looked for where else they could give.
During this time Adam was active in Hospice and Tamara returned to school to get her US certification in early childhood education to pursue her dream of a school for children she could open in Laguna Beach where she now lived. They were busy (and did I mention they also are both life coaches and continued seeing clients) as they watched for other opportunities to make a difference.
Adam was active in The Rotary Club when he heard about a program Rotary supported, Rotoplast (http://www.rotaplast.org/ Rotoplast provides free reconstructive surgery to children, presently in South America. Rotoplast was going to Venezuela and they were looking for volunteers. Adam stepped forward and then convinced Tamara this was the next project. They flew to Venezuela for two weeks and worked every day of the two weeks assisting this noble cause.Adam was in the recovery room soothing the 134 children that came through the operating room and also acting as a sort of liaison with the families anxiously awaiting news.
Tamara had the demanding job of entertaining and preparing the children for major life altering surgery. The couple did not have luxury, they barely had necessities. What they did have was the knowledge they were making a difference.
For many people this would be enough; they gave, they helped, they made a difference. For Adam Heller and Tamara Leider giving is what they do, it is not an option, it is a way of life and they see it as "normal". To stop giving would be much like not breathing. When do you have enough air to breathe? When do you breathe enough?
Tamara is currently working on her website as she prepares her school (tamara@coachheller.com) She coaches individuals and is a woman of deep integrity and passion. Adam has a book he just finished on how to be pain free. He is having remarkable results with his work in the area of pain reversal(adam@rapidlifechange.com) Please email them for what Paul Harvey would call "The rest of the story."
Their Action: Giving is a part of their value system. They do not know how to not give.
They are a remarkable couple making a remarkable difference raising children who are also remarkable. Remarkable.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
40 in 40 Day #12
Day #12 As I write this blog I am continually touched by the depth of human compassion, creativity and perseverance. What human beings can do to love, to dream, to change their world and the world of others is unending and rarely makes the nightly news. My friend, Daphna Michaelson (Day #7) has put a moratorium on watching news programs as she believes they give a distorted slant to the condition of our world, especially the United States. Her belief that human beings are good and are doing good was one aspect that spurred her 50 in 52 Journey. The more I write and investigate, the more I am filled with good will and hope.
Consider the neighborhood in Central Phoenix. It is an historic area of downtown Phoenix that young professionals and young marrieds have rehabbed, cleaned up and made their own. Small bungalows with well kept lawns and neatly trimmed foliage abound. On Almeria Street, the brightly painted homes, green lawns, and desert wildflowers were interrupted by a home that had seen better days and a lawn that needed cutting. The man who lived in this home was not a young professional, his family grown and gone. This gentleman was from the generation that Tom Brokaw coined the "Greatest Generation," the group of men and women growing up during the Great Depression, who fought in World War II and kept a strong home front.
A request to not name names leads me to call our elderly gentleman Mr. Smith. It was quickly apparent to the folks living near Mr. Smith that he was struggling with lawn care and at times he would be outside, in his bathrobe, sitting on a chair. The young men and women living in this particular area banned together and began to cut Mr. Smith's lawn. They then began to trim the trees and someone planted flowers. They began to say hello and listen to his tales from the war he fought so long ago. Young and old, friends. No need for social services as the neighborhood cooked an extra dish or two, when they cooked. Cookies wrapped with love made their way into his home and the men in the neighborhood did repairs. Mr. Smith was loved.
Was this reported on the nightly news or written about in the Phoenix Gazette? These were acts that showed the wonder, the grandeur of the human spirit and not the ugliness that surrounds the unending litany of horrible that screams from newsstands, radios, televisions and now the homepage on my computer.
What the neighborhood did is easily duplicated. In another neighborhood close to Almeria, other neighbors came together to cut lawns, check security and water flowers as a home went into foreclosure. Those downtown Central Phoenix people are pretty nice. What could your neighborhood do?
Action Taken: Simple acts of kindness done on a regular basis.
Mr. Smith no longer lives on Almeria Street. His home was rehabbed during the real estate boom in Phoenix. It's a great neighborhood to live in.
Consider the neighborhood in Central Phoenix. It is an historic area of downtown Phoenix that young professionals and young marrieds have rehabbed, cleaned up and made their own. Small bungalows with well kept lawns and neatly trimmed foliage abound. On Almeria Street, the brightly painted homes, green lawns, and desert wildflowers were interrupted by a home that had seen better days and a lawn that needed cutting. The man who lived in this home was not a young professional, his family grown and gone. This gentleman was from the generation that Tom Brokaw coined the "Greatest Generation," the group of men and women growing up during the Great Depression, who fought in World War II and kept a strong home front.
A request to not name names leads me to call our elderly gentleman Mr. Smith. It was quickly apparent to the folks living near Mr. Smith that he was struggling with lawn care and at times he would be outside, in his bathrobe, sitting on a chair. The young men and women living in this particular area banned together and began to cut Mr. Smith's lawn. They then began to trim the trees and someone planted flowers. They began to say hello and listen to his tales from the war he fought so long ago. Young and old, friends. No need for social services as the neighborhood cooked an extra dish or two, when they cooked. Cookies wrapped with love made their way into his home and the men in the neighborhood did repairs. Mr. Smith was loved.
Was this reported on the nightly news or written about in the Phoenix Gazette? These were acts that showed the wonder, the grandeur of the human spirit and not the ugliness that surrounds the unending litany of horrible that screams from newsstands, radios, televisions and now the homepage on my computer.
What the neighborhood did is easily duplicated. In another neighborhood close to Almeria, other neighbors came together to cut lawns, check security and water flowers as a home went into foreclosure. Those downtown Central Phoenix people are pretty nice. What could your neighborhood do?
Action Taken: Simple acts of kindness done on a regular basis.
Mr. Smith no longer lives on Almeria Street. His home was rehabbed during the real estate boom in Phoenix. It's a great neighborhood to live in.
Friday, September 3, 2010
40 in 40 Day #11
Day # 11 Today I am honoring a huge group in the United States and around the world. This is a group of individuals who may or may not know each other, a group that is all volunteer and probably untrained, a group that is uncelebrated and sometimes condemned. What is is this group? Who are these 44 million (yup, I wrote million) people who are in every town, every village, every city and every state in the U.S. The number is even larger if you were to count those volunteers in every country in the world.
Who is this group of dedicated individuals? They are Caregivers. The word says it all, they give care. They give care to sisters, brothers, friends, children, spouses, parents and sometimes to all of them at the same time.
They are the women you see holding the hand of an elderly woman in the grocery store, the 60 year old man who is helping a white haired man out of the car when you go to the doctor's office. They are the man and woman who are hushing the six foot boy with the wide smile who talks too loud at the local Starbucks on Sunday morning. They are the young mothers driving their daughters to dance class and their brother or sister to chemo. They are human beings who have put their lives on the back burner until Mom "passes on" or Auntie Nan is ready to go back to work. This volunteer position can take hours, days, weeks, months and very often years, sometimes decades. No benefits, no retirement, no Labor Day or 4th of July to do as they please. Their payment is sometimes an argument and blame at the end of a very long week or family members telling what they should or should not do. Sometimes, if they are lucky they get a beautiful toothless grin or sloppy hug around the neck. These are the fortunate caregivers.
There are also ancient caregivers. They have taken the man or woman they lay next to for 40 years, 50, maybe 60 years and put that person in a place of safety where nurses can administer the medication, paid caregivers change diapers, and various individuals sing songs, play games and then record it all in a binder with the beloved's name. The one on the "outside" is now alone. They rise at the same time every day, a new routine to follow, one that involves traveling to see their spouse, their beloved. Typically that person "on the inside" will cry to go home but home may now mean a place they lived when they were a child. The insider may or may not remember who their partner is as they sit at a table in a cafeteria in a cacophony of noise and confusion. The ancient caregivers do not like to go but they do it anyway. They do this every day and they return home, make a meal for one and sleep on their side of the bed.
In the United States there are 44 million of these people. If you asked them what is their dream, what is their passion it may not be the volunteer position they have accepted. If you were to ask them what success means to them they may not say, "Loving and caring for my father, mother, daughter/son, sibling or friend until they no longer are in need." They may not see their life as important or that they are changing the world. Would you let them know, please?
Their Action: Selflessness. Pure and simple selfless love.
November is National Family Caregivers Month http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/ This day has only recently been put in as a month of honoring the good that is done daily. President Bush signed the month into being in 2006. Please, put it on your calendar and send a card.
Who is this group of dedicated individuals? They are Caregivers. The word says it all, they give care. They give care to sisters, brothers, friends, children, spouses, parents and sometimes to all of them at the same time.
They are the women you see holding the hand of an elderly woman in the grocery store, the 60 year old man who is helping a white haired man out of the car when you go to the doctor's office. They are the man and woman who are hushing the six foot boy with the wide smile who talks too loud at the local Starbucks on Sunday morning. They are the young mothers driving their daughters to dance class and their brother or sister to chemo. They are human beings who have put their lives on the back burner until Mom "passes on" or Auntie Nan is ready to go back to work. This volunteer position can take hours, days, weeks, months and very often years, sometimes decades. No benefits, no retirement, no Labor Day or 4th of July to do as they please. Their payment is sometimes an argument and blame at the end of a very long week or family members telling what they should or should not do. Sometimes, if they are lucky they get a beautiful toothless grin or sloppy hug around the neck. These are the fortunate caregivers.
There are also ancient caregivers. They have taken the man or woman they lay next to for 40 years, 50, maybe 60 years and put that person in a place of safety where nurses can administer the medication, paid caregivers change diapers, and various individuals sing songs, play games and then record it all in a binder with the beloved's name. The one on the "outside" is now alone. They rise at the same time every day, a new routine to follow, one that involves traveling to see their spouse, their beloved. Typically that person "on the inside" will cry to go home but home may now mean a place they lived when they were a child. The insider may or may not remember who their partner is as they sit at a table in a cafeteria in a cacophony of noise and confusion. The ancient caregivers do not like to go but they do it anyway. They do this every day and they return home, make a meal for one and sleep on their side of the bed.
In the United States there are 44 million of these people. If you asked them what is their dream, what is their passion it may not be the volunteer position they have accepted. If you were to ask them what success means to them they may not say, "Loving and caring for my father, mother, daughter/son, sibling or friend until they no longer are in need." They may not see their life as important or that they are changing the world. Would you let them know, please?
Their Action: Selflessness. Pure and simple selfless love.
November is National Family Caregivers Month http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/ This day has only recently been put in as a month of honoring the good that is done daily. President Bush signed the month into being in 2006. Please, put it on your calendar and send a card.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
40 in 40 Day #10
Day #10 Severn Suzuki spoke before to the UN in 1992 as the spokesperson for a group of 12 and 13 year olds concerned with the environment and the way the world was being run at that time. Her words still ring true. You may go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWxjzazIPjU and listen to this well spoken young women plead with adults running the world to think of the children, to think of the planet.
Her story does not end there. Ms.Cullis-Suzuki (she is now married and 31 years of age) continues on with her passion to save the environment. With a B.S,in ecology from Yale she started a think tank called The Skyfish Project which brought their first project the World Summit on Sustainability.
Severn's passion did not dry up but rather has continued to grow as she returned to graduate school to study enthnobotany.
This young woman, who wrote a book called "Tell The World" at the age of 13 is an individual who found her dream, her contribution early in life and continues to take action.
Her Action: She has the gift of inspiration. Do yourself a favor and watch her many videos, read her book. Join her cause.
Her story does not end there. Ms.Cullis-Suzuki (she is now married and 31 years of age) continues on with her passion to save the environment. With a B.S,in ecology from Yale she started a think tank called The Skyfish Project which brought their first project the World Summit on Sustainability.
Severn's passion did not dry up but rather has continued to grow as she returned to graduate school to study enthnobotany.
This young woman, who wrote a book called "Tell The World" at the age of 13 is an individual who found her dream, her contribution early in life and continues to take action.
Her Action: She has the gift of inspiration. Do yourself a favor and watch her many videos, read her book. Join her cause.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
40 in 40 Day #9
Day #9 This is day #9 of writing a blog I am uncertain anyone is reading. We have one follower after nine days and I admit I had the thought tonight, "Will anyone even notice if I write this blog?" It has been a long day with little sleep last night. My small furry Valentino got a bone yesterday (from a friend). My gut knew not to let him have it but my friend loves Tino almost as much as I do and Valentino was doing his happy dance to woo the bone a bit closer. He got the bone and I got a sick dog all night. He is fine tonight. I am grumpy and wondering if anyone will even read this, much less respond.
What One Man Can Do is all about doing it anyway, regardless of the prize. Find the dream, nurture the dream, know the dream will elevate you and those around you. Act on the dream. Keep your commitments. Have support, That is WOMCD in action. If no human being ever reads this it is my commitment. I am showing up.
I am showing up. Happy Matthews shows up. She shows up when a person needs a ride to the store, or court. She shows up when a young mother needs a person to take a child to the park. She shows up, dollars in her hand, when a neighbor is is missing the money to but a prescription or milk. Happy Matthews shows up.
Agnes Mathews got the nickname as a small child growing up in Minnesota. The youngest of a very large family there was little time or money left over when Agnes made an appearance. Her life has been the stuff of Lifetime movie of the week. Abuse, alcohol, survival, drugs and tragedy has followed Ms. Mathews most of her life. She showed up and asked how she could help. Street people know her name and know she is always good for a dollar or two, the gang kids know her and trust that she will give them a ride, a sandwich or drive them to the probation appointment. Happy Mathews is changing her world. She has not written a book. She has not started a non for profit, she has not been a surrogate mother or taken her 401K and gone ins search of hope for our country. Ms. Happy Mathews is the woman in the neighborhood who saves people from despair. She shows up offers a smile, a cigarette, a joke. She looks the invisible homeless in the eye and asks them who they are. She knows their names. She mourns their deaths. She is a hero.
Her Action: She lives from her heart and knows that but for the grace of God she could be the one in need. She shows up and asks, "How can I serve you?"
Happy has no web site, no email. You can send her emails to anne@womcd.com
What One Man Can Do is all about doing it anyway, regardless of the prize. Find the dream, nurture the dream, know the dream will elevate you and those around you. Act on the dream. Keep your commitments. Have support, That is WOMCD in action. If no human being ever reads this it is my commitment. I am showing up.
I am showing up. Happy Matthews shows up. She shows up when a person needs a ride to the store, or court. She shows up when a young mother needs a person to take a child to the park. She shows up, dollars in her hand, when a neighbor is is missing the money to but a prescription or milk. Happy Matthews shows up.
Agnes Mathews got the nickname as a small child growing up in Minnesota. The youngest of a very large family there was little time or money left over when Agnes made an appearance. Her life has been the stuff of Lifetime movie of the week. Abuse, alcohol, survival, drugs and tragedy has followed Ms. Mathews most of her life. She showed up and asked how she could help. Street people know her name and know she is always good for a dollar or two, the gang kids know her and trust that she will give them a ride, a sandwich or drive them to the probation appointment. Happy Mathews is changing her world. She has not written a book. She has not started a non for profit, she has not been a surrogate mother or taken her 401K and gone ins search of hope for our country. Ms. Happy Mathews is the woman in the neighborhood who saves people from despair. She shows up offers a smile, a cigarette, a joke. She looks the invisible homeless in the eye and asks them who they are. She knows their names. She mourns their deaths. She is a hero.
Her Action: She lives from her heart and knows that but for the grace of God she could be the one in need. She shows up and asks, "How can I serve you?"
Happy has no web site, no email. You can send her emails to anne@womcd.com
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